The Essential Guide on How to Drink Black Tea: Tips and Best Practices

How to drink black tea？

Let's explore some key points to help you enjoy the best flavor of black tea.

Choose Good-Quality Black Tea

The quality of your tea determines almost 70% of the final taste.

• Loose-leaf black tea is the best choice because whole leaves preserve more aroma and flavor.Tea bags are convenient but often contain smaller broken leaves, resulting in astronger but less layered taste.
• Try a variety of high-quality, popular black teas. For example, Lapsang Souchong has aromas of pine resin, longan, and caramel, with a warm and rich finish. Jin Jun Mei is naturally sweet, with aromas of honey, flowers, and dark fruits.

Use the Correct Water Temperature

Black tea needs near-boiling water to release its full flavor. Ideal temperature:95-100℃(203-212F).Boil fresh, clean water - water that has been boiled repeatedly loses oxygen and makes the tea taste flat.

Steeping Time Matters

Different tea brewing utensils directly affect steeping time. 

For black tea (especially Lapsang Souchong, Jin Jun Mei, Qimen, and other Chinese black teas), the steeping time in traditional Chinese brewing methods is usually much shorter than in Western brewing, better showcasing the aroma and layers of flavor.

How to Drink Black Tea：Different Styles

Drink it straight：This is the purest way to appreciate the natural characteristics of black tea: its layers of flavor, aroma, and aftertaste.

With milk (classic English style)：Perfect for pairing with strong teas such as Assam or English Breakfast tea.

Add milk after the tea is brewed, do not add it beforehand.Warm milk makes the taste smoother, while cold milk can make it more refreshing.

With lemon：Lemon brightens the flavor and adds freshness. Add a slice after brewing.Note: Do not mix lemon and milk – the milk will curdle.

With Sweeteners：Honey, brown sugar, cane sugar, or simple syrup all work well. Try not to oversweeten so the tea’s natural flavor remains.

Iced Black Tea：Brew a stronger tea (5minutes), cool it down, then pour over ice. Good with lemon slices or mint.

Can Pregnant Women Drink Black Tea? Safe Recommended Intake

Yes, you can drink black tea during pregnancy—but in moderation. The main concern is caffeine.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.

A regular cup of black tea (8 oz) contains 40-70 mg of caffeine, depending on the type of tea and how it is brewed. Black tea has a moderate caffeine content compared to other types of tea, such as white tea, which is naturally lower in caffeine.

So, as long as you’re not consuming a lot of caffeine from other sources (like coffee, soda, or chocolate), it’s generally considered safe to drink 1-3 cups of black tea per day during pregnancy.

Can i drink black tea while breastfeeding

Yes, you can drink black tea while breastfeeding, but moderation is key due to the caffeine content.

Drinking black tea in the morning can enhance one's ability to focus and memorize, which can be particularly beneficial for new mothers.

Up to 300 mg of caffeine per day is generally considered safe while breastfeeding.

One cup (8 oz) of black tea has about 40–70 mg of caffeine. Using one teaspoon of tea per 8-ounce cup is a good measure to ensure proper caffeine intake.

So, 1–3 cups per day is usually fine — just be mindful of other caffeine sources (coffee, chocolate, soda, etc.).Click here to learn more about black tea caffeine.

Watch for Sensitivity in Baby

Some babies are more sensitive to caffeine. If you drink black tea and notice:Baby seems fussy or extra alert Trouble sleeping.you might want to reduce or avoid caffeine .

Drink black tea after breastfeeding, so less caffeine makes it into the next feed.

Can i drink black tea before colonoscopy

Before a colonoscopy, dietary restrictions are very important to ensure a clear view during the procedure. Here’s the general guideline for black tea:

• You can drink black tea if it’s plain, meaning:No milk or cream (including non-dairy creamers)No solid particles, herbs, or loose leaves floating in it.No pulp if you’re using lemon.
• Stick to clear liquids only ,Avoid red, blue, or purple coloring in any drinks (they can be mistaken for blood during the procedure)
• Typically, on the day before the colonoscopy, you’ll be on a clear liquid diet all day. Then, nothing by mouth (except small sips of water or prep solution) for several hours before the procedure.

If you’re unsure, check with your doctor or the instructions they provided — some places are stricter than others.

Best time to drink black tea for weight loss

Drinking black tea can support weight loss thanks to its caffeine content and antioxidants (like flavonoids), which may help boost metabolism and fat oxidation. In addition to supporting weight loss, black tea can help improve digestion and boost overall health.

Here’s the best timing to get the most benefit:

Morning (After Waking Up)

Kickstarts your metabolism and gives a gentle energy boost.

Drink it plain (no sugar/milk) on an empty stomach or with a light breakfast. The rich flavor of black tea, combined with its invigorating qualities, makes it an excellent choice to start your day.

Between Meals (Mid-Morning or Mid-Afternoon)

Helps curb cravings and prevents unnecessary snacking.

Sitting down to enjoy a cup of black tea can be a mindful activity, providing a calming break amid a busy day.The caffeine can keep your energy up during a slump.

Avoid: Drinking it too close to meals, as the tannins might hinder iron absorption.

Drink plenty of water when drinking tea to stay hydrated. Combine this with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Can i drink black tea at night

Yes, you can drink black tea at night, but it depends on your caffeine sensitivity.
Black tea contains 40–70 mg of caffeine per cup, which may cause difficulty falling asleep for some people.

However, if you tolerate caffeine well or choose a low-caffeine black tea, drinking it at night may not be a problem. For a more relaxing nighttime option, consider switching to caffeine-free herbal teas such as chamomile or rooibos.

Tips if Drinking Black Tea at Night:

If You Still Want Tea at Night,Here are a few options:

• Have it at least 4–6 hours before bed
• Blending different types of teas can create a flavorful and energizing mix, enhancing both taste and effectiveness.
• Keep it unsweetened and light to avoid stimulating your system
• Consider a lighter brew (less steeping time = less caffeine)

Low-Caffeine or Caffeine-Free Options:

Decaf black tea – same flavor, no stimulant

Herbal teas (like chamomile, rooibos, or peppermint) – naturally caffeine-free and calming. Herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos, or peppermint (mint) are naturally caffeine-free and calming.

Can you drink black tea while fasting

Yes, you can drink black tea while fasting — and it’s actually a great choice!

Iced black tea can be a refreshing and energizing option during fasting, especially in warmer weather. Black tea can also be infused with flavors like lemon or ginger to enhance its taste without breaking your fast.

Why Black Tea Works During Fasting:

Zero calories (as long as you don’t add milk, sugar, or honey)

Won’t break your fast — it doesn’t trigger an insulin response

Can curb hunger thanks to its bitterness and warmth

To brew black tea, pour hot water over the tea leaves and let them steep, which helps extract the flavors and beneficial compounds.

Contains caffeine, which may enhance fat-burning and alertness during fasts

Bonus Benefits During Fasting:

Boosts metabolism (mildly, thanks to caffeine and polyphenols)

May help with fat oxidation

Supports gut health with antioxidants

The antioxidants in black tea, particularly catechins and theaflavins, may help protect against heart disease.

Best Practices:

Drink it plain — prepared without sugar, milk, or creamer to maintain its health benefits

Limit to 2–3 cups per day to avoid jitteriness or stomach upset

If you’re sensitive, try brewing it lighter (shorter steeping time)

What are you waiting for? Come and have a cup of tea.